You know, I did think of that - but then I thought surely all those miles that people drive and the time spent on the road should mean they have tons of "good" driving experience to counter balance it........

I think the figures from the second link where it breaks it down State by State is probably a bit more representative - but even then, it still doesn't do the US any favors in most cases - however, in places like New York State, where they also have good public transport and a "walking" major city, the rate is more in line with the UK (but still not quite as good).

Interesting statistics - thanks for finding and posting them. I still stand by the fact that drivers are more courteous towards pedestrians, at least in CA, but the fatality statistics contradict my other assertion. I wonder if age and 'training' have an impact - I seem to recall reading that in the US, a large number of fatalities are under 25. And I think everyone would agree that the driving test in the UK is a tough one!

Ugacrew's point is also a good one; here, people are compelled to drive because there is not such a good public transit alternative, and places are more spread out, eliminating the 'walking' alternative. This can be especially problematic with older drivers ... I live near a retirement community and there have been several incidents where elder drivers have demonstrated that they really should not be on the road - but they have very little alternative.

I was actually knocked-down by an SUV turning right on a red. It's quite common for drivers just to focus on what's coming from the left and not to notice the pedestrian on their right. Coming from the UK I had blind faith in the 'green man'. 'Luckily' the SUV knocked me back onto the pavement.

Despite the above, I do like the 'turning right on a red light' though. I'm just more careful now as a pedestrian! I don't think this rule would work as well in much of the UK though, due to a combination of congestion and agressive driving. I have visions of people flooring the accelerator to 'fit' into a 20 foot gap in the oncoming traffic.

Chicago area they stop too - Keith always think I'm about to be killed walking in front of cars.

I don't think I would try it with the cabbies in downtown Chicago though - unless I had a death wish.

They need to adopt that approach in Boston then as well

The UK has the best approach ...

Who has the right of way on most road in the UK ...????

Sheep?

No!! but your on the right track

Horses?

Cows?

Horses of courses ...

I find driving over here much more stressful. I grew up in Germany and drove a lot for job. Frankfurt - Antwerp - Frankfurt several times a week.
Now , over here, speeds are only half of what I am used to - but no one indicates!! Total guesswork of where people are going! And they do not look and just pull out or change lanes. I only have 18miles one way to work and I near have an accident daily. My wife (from the US) is glad I have good driving skills, but she is still scared that one day someone will get me....
..and they did.
A week before Xmas. My first accident in 22 years. I was trundling along doing a slow 35mph and this lady suddenly pulls over without looking or indicating - wham! Near the whole side of my Passat was dented. Luckily I saw her and was able to swerve slightly by a few feet, or it would have been a lot worse. She was not even aware of hitting my car and I had to make her stop and call the police.
End of story? She got fined on the spot by the cops and is still denying being at fault, which is now going to court. Michigan with its weird insurance laws leaves me with $1400,-- of damages.
People drive too slow, have bad brakes (everytime I have to brake hard - the car behind me gets so close it has to swerve into another lane to avoid hitting me), slow reactions , are still using their cell phones while driving (handsfree? Hah what is that?) disregard of traffic signals (wait 5 minutes at a light and you will find someone pushing through on red- and it's been read for like 5 seconds).. no turn signals -- arrrgh! However, I spent a week in Minneapolis and it was not as bad. The two things which annoy me most are the "no signals" and hugging the left lane, slowing down everyone else. That prob comes from my driving in Germany as they fine you for using the left lane too long or being to slow and obstructing traffic. Oh, while I am complaining (wow, never knew I was so worked up about this ) I disagree with he pedestrian thing - if someone steps in front of my car and it is not a traffic light or designated pedestrian area- why should I stop? When I walk, I do not expect them to stop.

I feel so much safer driving in the UK, Germany, Belgium than here. I just see that drivers are more aware of their surroundings and have slightly better control over their cars - and indicate where they are going, which makes driving much more predictable. I am sure if drivers were more sensible and take the guesswork out of it, I wouldn't find it that bad...

Sorry... but I just have to snicker a bit - everyone's driving too slow for you - but everyone is generally driving OVER the speed limit.

But I adored driving in Germany on the autobahn... so I bet you'd miss it.

I did think Michigan drivers were a bit... oblivious.

The pedestrian thing - well, it isn't brilliant to step out in front of cars. But I think (at least some places) they do legally have the right of way.

My parents are originally from the Bay area and have always told me that out west the rule of thumb (in CA) is that the pedestrian has the right of way 100% of the time - regardless of jaywalking, lights, etc. So you might experience this more than others.

I lived in Corona for about 10 years before I moved to the UK. And I go back yearly because of family commitments. I can truthfully say I have hated it every time I've been back. I know that isn't really going to help you. But I can sympathize. And I have to agree, they drive like maniacs there, get stuck on the 91 Frwy (trying to get to the 15) and its like a free for all. Although in saying that, you should try the suicide junctions here in Seattle. Really the best thing about Corona is their school district. Or it was....I've been away for a long time.....

Best of luck and maybe you can find your way out of there?

Having recently read the Driver's Manual for Iowa, I can say the same is true here.

Speaking of pedestrians and driving, it brings up a point that does annoy me and that is the lack of sidewalks here. I've found it both here and in ATL if you actually want to walk anywhere here you have to walk along the edge of the road which is not fun. It's not as bad as riding a bike (only do that if you have a death wish, particularly in ATL), but a lot of the time drivers will get rather close to you and it can be intimidating.

Z